Diamond Loft

The performance, feel, and durability of a towel are largely determined by its material.

1. Cotton: The most popular choice for towels due to its natural absorbency and softness.

    

   • Egyptian Cotton: Grown in the Nile River Valley, this cotton has extra-long fibers (staples) that create strong, fine yarns. Towels made from Egyptian cotton are exceptionally soft, absorbent, and durable.

      

   • Pima Cotton: Also known for its long staples, Pima cotton is primarily grown in the southwestern United States. It offers a luxurious softness and high absorbency, similar to Egyptian cotton. Supima® is a trademarked brand of superior-quality Pima cotton.

      

   • Turkish Cotton: Features long fibers that are slightly less absorbent than Egyptian cotton but are known for drying very quickly, which helps prevent mildew. Turkish cotton towels are lightweight and become softer and more absorbent with successive washings.

      

   • Standard Cotton: Made from shorter fibers, these towels are affordable and functional but are generally less soft, absorbent, and durable than their premium counterparts.

2. Bamboo: Bamboo fibers can be processed into a rayon fabric that is known for its silky softness, excellent absorbency, and natural antibacterial properties. Bamboo towels are often blended with cotton to improve their durability and loft.

    

3. Linen: Made from the flax plant, linen towels are lightweight, highly absorbent, and dry extremely fast. They have a natural, slightly rougher texture that acts as a gentle exfoliant. They are popular in kitchens (as tea towels) and as traditional bath towels in many European cultures.

    

4. Microfiber: A synthetic material, typically a blend of polyester and polyamide. Microfiber towels are incredibly absorbent, lightweight, and dry almost instantly. Their ability to trap dirt and moisture makes them ideal for gym, travel, and cleaning purposes.

    

Towel Construction and Weave

The way a towel is woven significantly impacts its feel and function.

• Terry Cloth: The most common weave for towels, characterized by uncut loops that stand up from the base fabric. These loops increase the surface area, maximizing absorbency.

   

• Waffle Weave: This weave creates a honeycomb or grid-like texture. Waffle towels are lightweight, very absorbent, and dry quickly. They are often used for spa and kitchen towels.

   

• Velour: This is a terry cloth where the loops on one side have been sheared off. This creates a smooth, velvety surface that feels luxurious but is less absorbent than the looped side.

• Jacquard Weave: This technique allows for intricate patterns, like damask or floral designs, to be woven directly into the fabric.

• Combed Cotton: A process where the cotton fibers are combed to remove shorter threads and impurities, resulting in a stronger, smoother yarn.

   

Key Quality Metrics

• GSM (Grams per Square Meter): This is the measure of a towel's density and weight.

   

  • 300-400 GSM: Lightweight and thin. Good for the gym or kitchen.

  • 400-600 GSM: Medium weight. The standard for bath and beach towels, offering good absorbency and a reasonably quick drying time.

     

  • 600-900 GSM: Heavyweight and luxurious. These are the most absorbent and plush towels, often found in high-end hotels and spas. They take longer to dry.

Types of Towels and Their Uses

Towels are designed in various sizes for specific purposes:

Proper Care and Maintenance

To ensure your towels remain soft, absorbent, and long-lasting, follow these care tips:

• Wash Before First Use: This helps remove any chemical finishes from the manufacturing process and improves initial absorbency.

• Avoid Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners coat the fibers with a waxy film that reduces a towel's absorbency over time. Use distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle occasionally to strip residue and restore softness.

   

• Wash in Warm Water: Wash towels separately from other clothing in warm (not hot) water to clean them effectively without damaging the fibers.

• Don't Overload the Washer: Give towels plenty of room to circulate in the water for a thorough cleaning.

• Tumble Dry on Medium Heat: High heat can damage the cotton fibers, making them stiff. Shaking towels out before placing them in the dryer helps fluff the loops.

   

• Ensure They Are Fully Dry: Storing towels while damp can lead to a mildew smell. Ensure they are completely dry before folding and putting them away.